Boats

Sessa C43

Italian builders are well known for their stylish exterior lines and opulent interiors, but because of that people sometimes assume that these builders have neglected other things—like performance. Sessa’s C43 stops such conjectures cold.

According to the yard, the C43’s twin 374-hp Volvo Penta IPS 500 pod drives generate a top hop of 39.7 mph (34.5 knots) at 3550 rpm. Pull the throttles back to 3000 rpm and the C43 will reportedly reward you with a cruising speed of 31.6 mph (27.5 knots) and a moderate trim angle of 4.5 degrees. Even when planing at around 2500 rpm and 22.6 mph (19.6 knots), Sessa says her trim angle never exceeds six degrees. IPS drives generally produce sharp handling, and judging by the C46 sistership I tested in February (“Pragmatic Lines”) we expect sporty turns and precise steering from this vessel as well.

Builder: Sessa

Boat Type: Sportfisherman

LOA: 43'4"

Beam: 13'1"

Draft: 2'9"

Displacement: 21,605 lbs. (wet)

Standard Power: 2/374-hp Volvo Penta IPS 500s

Fuel Capacity: 238 gal.

Water Capacity: 85 gal.

Price: upon request

Cabins: 1 master, 1 guest

The team at the design firm Christian Grande, which conceived the interior, did a high-quality job. The layout is inspired by that of the C46: Both have full-beam master staterooms with queen-size berths to starboard set at a 45-degree angle, large picture windows, and en suite heads. The 43’s galley and settee areas are slightly smaller, which means the VIP and day head can be roughly the same size the C46’s.

The interior also has the same high-quality finish as other Sessas, with Ultraleather upholstery and walnut trim as notable standard features, and with 6'8" headroom in the saloon, owners and guests should feel anything but cramped.

The C43 boasts other features similar to those found on her larger sister: A giant aft-deck sunpad (6'10"x 7'10") sits atop a tender garage, which can accommodate a runabout up to 8'3" LOA. The sunpad’s width precludes an entrance to the helm area on the port side, but both sides have access to the wide side decks (a bowrail extends to the aft end of the house so you have a firm handhold the entire way forward). Below the garage you’ll find the engine room, which can be accessed via a day hatch to starboard or by lifting the entire tender garage (thanks to some crafty design work).

Topping things off, the C43’s hull is available in white, turquoise, bronze, and navy blue. Which color will the first C43 to reach the United States have? You can find out when she makes her debut at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October.